Fencing and Fencing Mountings

ABSTRACT

The invention provides a temporary fence including a barrier assembly comprising one or more posts ( 103 ), one or more fence panels ( 101 ) mounted thereon and one or more anchors ( 120 ) to anchor the posts consisting of two elements ( 112 ) that have a cleft ( 109 ) between them when assembled, there are also anchors ( 913 ) having a first post mounting ( 921 ) for the post of a first fence and a spaced apart second mounting ( 922 ) for a post of a second fence. Also there is a mounting bracket mounted on a post ( 916 ) of a first fence for receiving an upper portion of a second fence ( 920 ) an with attachment means at its distal end ( 924 ) from the first post such that when assembled the upper attached portion of the second fence is disposed generally vertically above a base portion of the second fence. There is further provided a mounting device for mounting a fence to a fence post including a main body ( 970 ) with an attachment ( 972 ) on it to which a fence can be releasably secured this device also including a releasable clamp ( 84, 85 ) attachable to a post so that at least a portion of the fence may be received in the clamp and be releasably retained adjacent the post.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to temporary fencing and also to mountingdevices to mount barriers associated therewith.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

For many years it has been considered desirable to provide fencingaround building sites in order to prevent unauthorised persons andparticularly children entering the site and possibly injuringthemselves. In recent years such fencing has become compulsory in manyjurisdictions. Typically this fencing comprises chain wire panelssupported by tubular galvanised steel uprights themselves supported andlocated by having their bases inserted in appropriately-sized holes inconcrete blocks. It is therefore concrete blocks which support the fencein place rather than having the lower extremities of the uprights buriedin the ground as with a permanent fence.

Generally the concrete blocks are extremely heavy and exceed recommendedguidelines for manual handling safe practices for a single person.

Also, more recently there has also been a requirement for building sitesto incorporate silt fences. These silt fences are intended to preventerosion and movement of exposed soil from the building site on toadjacent properties. Typically these silt fences comprised a relativelyfine thermoplastic mesh buried in the ground at its base and supportedin an upright position by attachment to stakes at discrete intervals.Typically silt fences are constructed parallel to safety fencing butspaced therefrom. A silt fence may typically stand approximately onemetre inside a safety fence and must be taken down and re-erected whenmachinery, equipment or building materials enter or leave a site whengate access is not suitable. The space in between the safety fence andthe silt fence is also difficult to maintain free of weeds. The dualrequirement of a silt fence and a temporary safety fence is thereforecumbersome to construct and inconvenient to maintain during the courseof building objects.

Known methods of connecting silt fences to posts generally involvestaples or other fasteners which are time consuming and inflexible.

The present invention seeks to ameliorate one or more of theabove-mentioned disadvantages.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

According to one aspect of the present invention there is provided atemporary fence including a barrier assembly, the barrier assemblyincluding: one or more posts; one or more fence panels associated withrespective posts and mounted thereon; one or more anchors for anchoringthe or each post; the or each anchor including a first anchor elementand a second anchor element and a cleft disposed between each anchorelement when assembled.

Preferably a silt barrier is provided, which is operatively connectableto the barrier assembly in such an arrangement that the silt barrierwhen installed extends generally parallel with the fence panels.

Preferably, the cleft extends generally parallel with the fence panelswhen installed, such that some portions of the silt barrier are disposedat least partially within the cleft of the anchor when installed.

Preferably, the cleft is disposed generally vertically when the fence isassembled, and in preferred forms the cleft is provided generallytransversely across the entire depth of the anchor, between the firstpiece and the second piece.

The first and second pieces may be similar in size construction andmaterials, however, some embodiments include differing sizing andconstructions of the first and second pieces. In one embodiment thefirst and second pieces are both blocks, in one form constructed fromconcrete. The or each block is a generally rectangular prism having alongitudinal axis which in use is disposed in generally perpendicular toa plane defined by the fence panels when installed, so as to providestability from push over or lateral forces.

Preferably, the or each block includes apertures for receiving baseportions of respective posts. Support for the post is provided byinternal walls of the apertures. In preferred embodiments the aperturesare through apertures which extend from an upper face of the or eachblock to a base face of the or each block when installed upright.

Coupling means may be provided to couple two blocks together, so thatthe posts may access a doubling of anchor mass if required. In one formthe coupling means is a separate and distinct conventional fasteningfeature, such as a belt, bolts, strap, tongue and groove, key andkeyway, bar and aperture, or the like. In another form the couplingmeans is provided by an aperture, which is fully formed when two piecesof a mounting assembly are brought together and selected faces abut oneanother. In one embodiment, each face incorporates a hollow in the formof half cylinder being cut along a longitudinal axis. This halfcylindrical aperture is completed when the face is mated with anothermounting assembly block with corresponding recesses therein. To assemblethis portion of the barrier assembly, the aperture receives, in thisembodiment, a cylindrical post. The post may also be RHS steel oraluminium.

Preferably the apertures are located along the mating wall, adjacent anend thereof. This is so as to allow the post and block to be given thegreatest leverage to resist push over in one of the lateral directions.

In preferred embodiments the second piece of the anchor is in the formof a plate which has a longitudinal axis which when installed extendsperpendicular to the fence panels to provide extra stability. The platepresents a lower height profile which reduces the likelihood of becominga trip hazard to passers by.

The or each plate also includes one or more post receiving apertures,each of which support the posts in a generally upright orientation whenassembled therein.

In some embodiments the posts may be mounted on a spigot, protrusion orboss extending from an anchor piece of smaller external diameter thanthe internal diameter of the post.

In preferred embodiments a base portion of the silt barrier is placed ina trench which is dug into the ground, and the trench filled in. This isto comply with best practice on the installation of silt barriers.

In situations where digging a trench is not possible or not economicallyviable, such as on concrete or rock beds, concrete or mortar may bepoured to weight the base portion of the silt barrier downwards.

A restriction assembly may be provided to restrict the gap between theground and a base portion of the fence panel. The assembly may include abracket and a post, laid horizontally to engage a sandbag and the siltbarrier simultaneously. The bracket may pivot to encourage downwardpressure onto the silt barrier and the ground.

It is preferred that two posts support each fence panel. However in somesituations it may be preferred that two panels are mounted to each post.This may suit differing designs of panel.

According to another aspect of the present invention there is provided atemporary fence which includes an anchor including a first post mountingfor receiving a post of a first fence and a second post mounting forreceiving a post of a second fence, the post mountings being spacedapart from one another.

The first fence may be in the form of a barrier fence and the secondfence may be in the form of a silt fence. Preferably the post mountingsare arranged so that when the fences are erected they extend generallyparallel to one another.

Preferably the second post mounting is for use with a silt fence anddisposed adjacent a side of the anchor so that the fence can extend intothe earth upon which the fence is erected.

The anchor may be in the form of a block formed from any suitablematerial such as concrete, timber, plastics and the like. Preferably theblocks are in the form of concrete blocks. The post mounting for thefirst fence may be in the form of an aperture extending into the blockfrom an upper surface thereof.

In one embodiment the post mounting for the second fence may be in theform of a keyed slot in the block which is adapted to cooperate with acomplimentary shaped lower portion of the post for the second fence. Thekeyed slot may be any suitable shape, such as for example square,rectangular, round or T-shaped, (or the like) extending into the blockfrom the top surface thereof.

In another embodiment the block includes mounting lugs thereon whichcooperate with lugs on the post of the second fence so that they canclip together.

According to still another aspect of the present invention there isprovided a temporary fence which includes: an anchor including a firstpost mounting for receiving a post of a first fence; a mounting bracketfor receiving an upper portion of a second fence, the mounting bracketbeing connected to or integral with the post of the first fence; andattachment means for attaching the upper portion, the attachment meansdisposed at a distal end of the mounting bracket, the distal end beingspaced sufficiently from the post so that when assembled, the upperportion is disposed generally vertically above a base portion of thesecond fence.

The first fence may be in the form of a barrier fence and the secondfence may be in the form of a silt fence. Preferably the mountings arearranged so that when the fences are erected they extend generallyparallel to one another. The barrier fence preferably includes aplurality of fence panels, each having a pair of posts, supporting aninfill panel of wire mesh, suitable for inhibiting access to an area.The silt fence is generally in the form of a geotextile fabric, which inone embodiment has a belt sewn into the top of the fabric forstrengthening or for supplementary connection to attachment means.

Preferably the mounting bracket is for use with the silt fence. Theattachment means is disposed in relation to the anchor such that thefence can extend into the earth upon which the fence is erected.

The mounting bracket may be integral with or connected to the post forthe first fence. The mounting bracket may be any suitable shape,however, in preferred embodiments the mounting bracket is a trapezoidalor triangular shape, tapering downwards toward the attachment means inorder to provide increased moment resistance at the interface betweenthe mounting bracket and the post for the first fence.

The anchor may be in the form of a block formed from any suitablematerial such as concrete, timber, plastics and the like. Preferably theblocks are in the form of concrete blocks. The post mounting for thefirst fence may be in the form of an aperture extending into the blockfrom an upper surface thereof.

According to yet another aspect of the present invention there isprovided a fence mounting device for mounting a fence to a fence post,the device including a main body which is mountable to the fence postand an attachment on the main body to which the fence can be releasablysecured.

In one form the main body includes an end cap which is adapted to befitted over a top end portion of the fence post. The end cap may includea cap body having a hollow section therein for receiving the top endportion of the fence post. The cap body may include a dome shaped upperportion with a skirt extending downwardly therefrom. The attachment maybe in the form of a hook-like element secured to or integral with thewall of the cap body.

The fence mounting device may be used to support a silt fence which asdescribed earlier may be of a fine mesh material. The material mayinclude eyelets which can be placed over the hook-like elements toretain it in position, or the material may include a belt sewn into ahem in the top of the barrier, the hem slots through which the belt maybe withdrawn to fasten the belt to the hook-like elements.

In another form of the invention the mounting device is suitable for usewith fence posts of the type commonly referred to as star posts. Starposts generally comprise an elongated body having a plurality ofradially extending flanges angularly disposed with respect to oneanother the flanges extending the length of the post, the flangesextending generally radially from a central axis of the post body.

The fence mounting device may include tensioning means for tensioningthe upper portion so that the silt fence maybe held more tightly againstthe posts, at least in the region of the upper portion.

In one form, the tensioning means is a ratchet so that the main bodydoes not need to be removed from the post in order to tension the belt.Preferably, the ratchet is in the form of one or more angled teeth whichare moulded into the internal walls of the main body and projecting intothe hollow section therefrom. The teeth are arranged such that when themain body is rotated in a tightening direction, the teeth are forcedflat against the internal walls of the main body by the edges or thewalls of the post. When the tension of the belt or fence causes the mainbody to rotate in a loosening direction, the teeth are forced into anopen locking position, extending further into the hollow section by thewalls or edges of the post, blocking rotation of the main body relativeto the post.

Preferably, another embodiment of tensioning means includes a socket inthe form of a plurality of locking recesses within the main body hollowsection which correspond to respective edge formations on the post.

Preferably, a socket of eight recesses is provided at the inner walls ofthe hollow section.

Preferably, every second recess receives a respective corner of a squarepost when the cap is mounted on the post.

Preferably, the end cap draws the belt from its hem, thus tightening theupper edge of the silt fence.

Preferably, wherein locking recesses are defined by spaced, taperingdividers extending from inner skirt walls so as to lock several sizes ofstar picket and square posts.

Preferably, the attachment includes a flange spaced from the skirt wallby a boss so as to improve retention of a belt behind the flange.

Preferably, the skirt includes one or more recesses for receiving a beltso as to improve and simplify smooth running and tying of the beltaround the attachment means.

Preferably, the recesses are one or more cut outs adjacent theattachment means, the cut outs at the base of the skirt.

Preferably, the flange includes one or more cut outs at its base to aidsmooth tying of belt or and cleat.

Preferably, the recesses are one or more cut outs adjacent theattachment means, the cut outs at the base of the skirt. The recesses orcut outs assist with allowing the belt to run or be directed under theskirt to bear against the post. This improves friction and holds thepost and cap together in a more secure fashion.

Preferably, ribs are provided to support edges of posts received by themain body.

Another embodiment of tensioning means includes a plurality of recesseswithin the main body hollow section which correspond to respective edgeformations on the post.

In one form, eight recesses are provided at the inner walls of thehollow section. In this embodiment, every second recess mates with arespective edge of a square post when the cap is mounted on the post.Thus the cap may be rotated in increments of 45° by either rotating thecap whilst on the post, forcing the edges of the post into an adjacentrecess and interlocking therewith, or lifting the cap off the post,rotating the cap and replacing the cap at a tightened position furtheraround the posts.

Rotating the end cap draws the belt from its hem, thus tightening theupper edge of the silt fence.

According to another aspect of the present invention there is provided afence mounting device for mounting a fence to a post, the fence mountingdevice including: a releasable clamp attachable to a post so that atleast a portion of the fence may be received in the clamp and releasablyretained adjacent the post.

Preferably, the releasable clamp includes two detachable parts.

Preferably, a first part is a receiver and the second part is a keywhich mates with the receiver.

Preferably, the receiver is mountable to the post.

Preferably, the receiver includes a receiving void between spaced-apartwalls for receiving a fence therein.

Preferably, a pair of the spaced-apart walls taper towards one another.

Preferably, the taper is towards a front face when the receiver isinstalled on the post.

Preferably, the void is enclosed by three spaced-apart walls, to definean open face to reduce mass and allow ease of assembly of fence.

Preferably, the key includes a main key body for inserting into thereceiver, and when assembled, the fence is laid in the receiver, and themain key body is disposed parallel with a main longitudinal axis of thereceiver, so the main key body abuts at least some of the spaced-apartwalls of the receiver in order to clamp the fence to the post.

Preferably, the key corresponds in cross-section to the receiver,although slightly smaller in size to allow for the fence to be lodgedwithin a play space between key and receiver.

Preferably, the fence is a textile fence, in the form of a silt barrier.

Preferably, the key is provided with a depth step.

Preferably, the key is inserted from an open end above the received whenmounted on a post.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Some preferred embodiments of the present invention will now bedescribed with reference to the accompanying drawings in which:

FIG. 1 is a side elevation view of prior art temporary fencing;

FIG. 2 is a side elevation of temporary fencing of a preferredembodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 3 is a plan view of temporary fencing according to a preferredembodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 4 is a side elevation view of a temporary fence according to apreferred embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 5 is a side elevation of temporary fencing in accordance with apreferred embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 6 is a side elevation of temporary fencing in accordance with apreferred embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 7 is a side elevation of temporary fencing in accordance with apreferred embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 8 is an isometric view of temporary fencing in accordance with apreferred embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 9 is a side elevation view of a temporary fence and fence mounts inaccordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 10 is a side elevation view of a temporary fence and fence mountsin accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 11 is a side elevation view of a temporary fence and fence mountsin accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 12 is a side elevation view of a temporary fence and fence mountsin accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 13 is an isometric view of a fence assembly showing a detail of afence mounting device according to a preferred embodiment of the presentinvention;

FIG. 14 is a side elevation view of a fence mounting device according toa preferred embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 15 is a plan view from underneath of a fence mounting device havinga socket according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 16 is a plan view from underneath of a fence mounting device havinga ratchet according to another preferred embodiment of the presentinvention;

FIG. 17 is an isometric view from underneath of a fence mounting devicehaving a plurality of locking recesses according to another preferredembodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 17A is an isometric view from above of a fence mounting deviceshowing recesses for smooth tying of silt fence belt;

FIG. 18 is a plan view from underneath of the fence mounting deviceshown in FIGS. 13, 14, 16 and 17, being mounted on a square post, heldby walls of locking recesses which abut edges of the post;

FIG. 19 is a plan view from underneath of the fence mounting deviceshown in FIGS. 13, 14, 16 and 17, being mounted on a star post, which ismounted further into the device and held by walls of locking recesseswhich abut edges of the post;

FIG. 20 is a plan view from underneath of the fence mounting deviceshown in FIGS. 13, 14, 16 and 17, being mounted on a star post ofdifferent dimension than that shown in FIG. 19;

FIG. 21 is a plan view from underneath of the fence mounting deviceshown in FIGS. 13, 14, 16 and 17, being mounted on a square post ofdifferent dimension than that shown in FIG. 18, interior ribs notextending down to the skirt so as to allow the vertices of the squarepost to abut interior walls of the skirt;

FIG. 22 is an isometric view of a part of a fence mounting device, beinga receiver, which is according to a preferred embodiment of the presentinvention;

FIG. 23 is an isometric view of a second part of a fence mountingdevice, being a key, which is according to another preferred embodimentof the present invention;

FIG. 24 is a plan view, partly exploded, of the fence mounting assemblyof FIGS. 22 and 23.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

It will be observed from FIG. 1 that known temporary safety fencingcomprises a number of chain wire or mesh fencing panels placed in end toend collinear relationship with each other with bases 2 of tubular posts3 forming ends of each panel being inserted into tubular holes (notshown) in concrete blocks 4 in order to provide support for the fencing.It will be observed that each concrete block 4 receives the bases 2 oftubular posts 3 being tubular posts defining the ends of adjacentpanels. Typically the concrete blocks extend for a significant distancelaterally out from each side of the fence as is best viewed in FIG. 1.

Typically a silt fence is erected at one side of the temporary safetyfencing, the one side being generally associated with a building site.This silt fence comprises a relatively fine thermoplastic mesh 6 buriedin the ground at its base 7 and supported vertically by stakes 8 whichare buried in the ground. As is best viewed in FIG. 1 the silt fence istypically spaced approximately one metre from the temporary safetyfencing.

According to a preferred embodiment of the present invention depicted inFIG. 2, posts 3 of adjacent fencing panels are placed side-by-siderather than in collinear relationship with each other. In the preferredembodiment shown, a cleft 9 is provided, disposed across the entiredepth of an intermediate portion of an anchor which includes two pieces,12, the cleft 9 extending further between the posts 3. The two-piececonstruction facilitates easier carrying of the anchor as the anchor maybe carried in two trips by a single person, rather than risking a backinjury by carrying the whole article at one time. The two-piececonstruction also facilitates the provision of a cleft suitable forplacement of a continuous silt barrier 10 between the pieces and postsso that silt barrier 10 may run along the length of the temporary safetyfencing and be at least partially supported thereby.

It will be observed that in order for the silt barrier 10 having a base11 buried in the ground to pass through the area where the lowerextremities of posts 3 forming the ends of adjacent fencing aresupported in anchors 20 in the form of 2-piece mounting assembly 21 inthe form of stabilising concrete blocks 12 it is necessary that the baseof each adjacent post 3 is supported in an aperture 22 in the form of atubular hole 13 (best viewed in FIG. 3) of a respective block 12. Theuse of two separate blocks 12 where each separate fence panel meets itsadjacent fence panel together with the side-by-side rather than end toend orientation of the posts 3 ensures that a cleft between the blocksand posts 3 maybe maintained in order that a silt fence 10 may pass inan uninterrupted manner through the cleft 9.

It will be appreciated that the orientation of the concrete blocks 12and posts 3 depicted in FIGS. 2 and 3 permits attachment of the siltbarrier 10 to the safety fence and without the necessity for separatestakes 8 to support the silt fence. The resulting composite silt barrierand temporary safety fence is far neater than in the prior artarrangement depicted in FIG. 1 and furthermore is a simple matter toclear the area about the composite fence.

It will be observed that stock yard clamps 15 may be placed at positions16 and 14 above the top of the silt barrier in order to tie adjacentposts 3 to each other thereby ensuring that the combined stability ofboth concrete blocks 12 is available to each post 3.

It should be appreciated that in certain situations only one concreteblock 12 may be necessary to stabilise each pair of adjacent posts 3 dueto the fact that stock yard clamps 15 join adjacent posts. For exampleas shown in FIG. 4, where a safety fence immediately abuts and runsparallel to a footpath the base of one of a pair of adjacent posts 3 maysimply be provided with a horizontal laterally-extending steel plate(112) in order to assist in bracing the fence against tipping over thefootpath; the adjacent post foot being inserted in a weighted concreteblock 12. Unlike concrete blocks, a horizontal laterally extending nonballasted steel plate would present less of a trip hazard on a footpath.

Referring to FIG. 5, there is shown a fence according to anotherpreferred embodiment of the present invention. A single post is providedat 103 and a support 130 is connected thereto. The base portions 131 and132 of the post 103 and its support 130 respectively, are received intoapertures 113 of separate blocks. The fixed connections at the top ofsupport 130 provides stiffness and a rigid connection, albeit remote,from the anchor assembly 135.

Hooks 136 and 137 are provided, mounted on the post 103, on which tohang a fence panel 101. A retaining means 138 in the form of a clamp 139is provided to secure the panel 101 to the post 103.

As shown in FIG. 8, the silt barrier 110 in the form of a geotextile 140alternates between one side of the fence panels and the other side, thegeotexteile 140 however always stays in the cleft 109 between the twopiece mounting assembly and posts 103.

Referring to FIG. 5, the anchor 120 is in the form of two concreteblocks 112. A coupling means 142 in the form of apertures 143 and 145are provided. The apertures 143 and 145 are half cylinders, cut along alongitudinal axis. The recesses 143 and 145 are cut into correspondingbase faces of the concrete block 112. The faces are abutted to assemble,and the post 103 is inserted into the complete aperture, coupling theblocks 112 together. In this way, the blocks 112 may restrain the post103 from lateral forces.

Generally, a base of the silt barrier is buried in a trench as shown at150. When this is not possible, such as in the case of a rock floor,sandbags 851 (FIG. 7 or FIG. 4) may be provided, or concrete poured onthe base portion of the silt barrier. A pivoting bracket assembly 870(FIG. 7) is provided to engage geotextile 840 and possibly sandbag 851.

Various embodiments are shown throughout FIGS. 2-8, wherein likenumerals denote like parts.

Referring to FIG. 9, there is shown a schematic side elevation of atemporary fence 910 which includes an anchor 912 in the form of aconcrete block 913 which includes a first post mounting 915 for a post916 of a first fence and a second post mounting 917 for a post 918 of asecond fence. The first fence is in the form of a barrier fence wherebywire mesh is mounted to the posts to inhibit access to a site. Thesecond fence is in the form of a silt fence which includes a geotextileor thermoplastic mesh 920 secured to post 918. As shown the lower sideportion of the mesh 920 is buried in the ground. In alternativeembodiments, the lower side portion 920 is weighted with sand bags orconcrete blocks, or weighted with loose gravel.

The first post mounting 915 is in the form of an aperture 921 extendinginto the anchor block from the top surface thereof. The cross-sectiondimension of the aperture 921 is complimentary to the cross sectionaldimension of the post 916. The second post mounting 917 is in the formof a T-shaped slot 922 which extends into the anchor block from the topsurface thereof. The lower end portion of post 918 is complimentary inshape so as to be receivable within the slot. The post 918 furtherincludes an attachment 924 to which the mesh 920 can be fitted.

FIG. 10 shows a similar arrangement to that shown in FIG. 26, however,the T-shaped slot 922 has been changed to a round aperture 1022.

Referring to FIG. 11, which is a side elevation of a temporary fenceaccording to a further embodiment like reference numerals have been usedto identify like parts as used in FIG. 9. In this particular embodimentthe post 918 for the silt fence includes a clip arrangement by which itcan be releasably clipped to the anchor block 912. The clip arrangementincludes a leg 930 at the base of the post 918 which can be receivedwithin a recess 931 in the anchor block. The clip arrangement furtherincludes a clipping arm 932 which in a mounted position is fitted behinda shoulder 933 on the upper side of the anchor block to retain the postin position.

Referring to FIG. 12, there is shown a bracket having end 924 includinga cleat. The bracket extends an attachment point for a silt fence 920 soit can be mounted vertically and buried in the ground at its base.

FIG. 13 illustrates an embodiment of silt fence using fence mountingdevices according to another aspect of the present invention. Referringto FIG. 13, there is shown a silt fence 950 which includes a pluralityof fence posts 951 to which a mesh barrier material 952 is releasablymounted. In FIG. 13 the fence posts are in the form of stakes 955.

The fence mounting device 965 for use in the embodiment shown in FIG. 13is best illustrated in FIGS. 14-21.

In the embodiment shown in FIGS. 14-21, the mounting device is in theform of an end cap 970 including a hollow body 971 receivable over thetop of the post and an attachment 972 to which the mesh can be mounted.

Advantageously, preferred embodiments such as for example FIGS. 2-12 ofthe present invention are easier to install as the lifting required foreach anchor is reduced. That is, a single man may carry the fence tosite and install it single-handedly as per safe work practices. This isfacilitated by the or each anchor being in two pieces, each of which maybe carried by one person. Back injuries are one of the most commoninjuries in the construction industry.

Also, preferred embodiments of the present invention provide advantagesof stronger sediment control and easier and faster installation ofsediment control fences than known devices, as well as the rounded capof FIGS. 13-21 providing a safety aspect from cuts, grazes, abrasions,and reducing injury in the event of a fall thereagainst. The cap ofFIGS. 13-21 also provides a taut upper edge which provides stronger andlonger lasting sediment control.

Referring to FIG. 16, a tensioning means 75 is shown integral with anend cap 70. The tensioning means 75 is in the form of a ratchet 76having a plurality of angled teeth 77. The attachment 72 in the form ofa cleat 73 acts as a hook to receive a belt 74 (FIG. 13).

In operation, the end cap 70 is turned in a tensioning direction, andthe teeth 77 are forced flat against the internal periphery of thehollow body 71 by the edges of a square post 55. This allows tighteningwith relative ease, and the belt 74 is drawn out of its hem to tightenthe top edge of the silt barrier 6.

When the belt 74 draws the end cap 70 in a loosening direction, theteeth 77 are forced by the edges of the post 55 into an open or lockingposition, pointing into the centre void of the hollow body.

FIG. 15 shows a second embodiment of tensioning device 175 integral withan end cap 170. The tensioning device 175 is in the form of a pluralityof recesses 178 which form a socket and mate with edges of the post 55when assembled. In the embodiment shown, eight recesses 178 areindicated, which allows locking rotation in 45° increments. Of course,in the embodiment shown, only every second recess engages a respectiveedge of a square post 55. Tightening may be effected by turning and thusforcing the recesses open, similar to a ratchet, or by lifting the capoff and replacing the cap at a different angular position.

Further, FIGS. 17-21 and similar arrangements may be used on most typesof square post, peg, pipe or fence picket (e.g. metal “star” picket) toprovide three benefits:

-   -   a safety cap    -   silt fence support via lug or clip    -   tension adjustment by turning cap

They may vary in structure and appearance but can achieve the abovefeatures, for example, FIG. 17 shown tensioning device 275 includesrecesses 278 which abut edges of posts or pickets. Walls 279 are taperedto accommodate various sizes of posts and pickets at different depthswithin the hollow body.

FIGS. 17 and 17A show recesses 285-287 which are used to promote smoothtying of the belt so that lumps are not formed when tying knots. Therecesses also alleviate localised stress and bruising of belt, extendingits life.

Referring to FIGS. 22-24, a clamp is shown. The clamp is in two pieces,having a female receiver 84 and a key 85. The receiver has a void 89 andthe silt barrier 6 is held against internal periphery of the void 89 bythe key 85 when assembled in order to provide some tensioning whenassembled.

A depth stop 86 is provided by a cross member 87. The receiving member84 has tapering walls and an open edge, so that the silt barrier may beeasily loaded and securely retained in the clamp 79. The key 85 incross-section, corresponds with receiving member 84, so as to snuglymate with the receiver 84.

Throughout this specification and the claims which follow, unless thecontext requires otherwise, the word “comprise”, and variations such as“comprises” or “comprising”, will be understood to imply the inclusionof a stated integer or step or group of integers or steps but not theexclusion of any other integer or step or group of integers or steps.

Finally, it is to be understood that various alterations, modificationsand/or additions may be incorporated into the various constructions andarrangements of parts without departing from the spirit or ambit of theinvention.

1-47. (canceled)
 48. A fence mounting device adapted for mounting a siltfence to a fence post, the fence mounting dvice including: a main bodywhich is mountable to the fence post; and an sttachment means mounted onthe main body to which the fence can be releasably secured; whereintensioning means are provided, which are suitable for tensioning anupper portion of the silt fence, the arrangement being such that, whenthe upper portion of the silt fence is secured in the attachment,rotating the attachment means and the main body tightens the fenceagainst the main body.
 49. A fence mounting device in accordance withclaim 48 wherein the main body incluides a cap which is adapted to befitted over a top end portion of the fence post, the cap including adome shaped upper portion with a skirt extending downwardly therefrom,the attachment means being in the form of a cleat, secured to orintegral with the cap body.
 50. A fence mounting device in accordancewith claim 48 wherein a silt fence is provided, constructed from a finemesh material.
 51. A fence mounting device in accordance with claim 50wherein the material includes eyelets which can be placed over the cleatelements to retain it in position on the mounting device.
 52. A fencemounting device in accordance with claim 50 wherein a belt is sewn intoa hem in a top edge of the barrier, the hem having slots through whichthe belt may be withdrawn to fasten the belt to the cleats.
 53. A fencemounting device in accordance with claim 48 wherein the mounting deviceis adapted to be mounted to fence posts of the type commonly referred toas star posts, having an elonggated body with a plurality of radiallyextending flanges angularly disposed with respect to one another, theflanges extending the length of the post, and extending generallyradially from a central axis of the post body.
 54. A fence mountingdevice in accordance with claim 48 wherein the tensioning device is inthe form of a socket.
 55. A fence mounting device in accordance withclaim 48 wherein the tensioning means is a ratchet so that the main bodydoes not need to be removed from the post in order to tension the upperportion.
 56. A fence mounting device in accordance with claim 55 whereinthe ratchet is in the form of one or more angled teeth which are moldedintothe internal walls of the main body and project into a hollowsection of the main body.
 57. A fence mounting device in accordance withclaim 56 wherein the teeth are arranged such that when the main body isrotated in a tightening direction, the teeth are forced flat against theinternal walls of the main body by dges or walls of the post, and whentension in the fence causes the main body to rotate in a looseningdirection, the teeth are forced into an open locking position, extendingfurther into the hollow section by the walls or edges of the post,inhibiting rotation of the main body relative to the post.
 58. A fencemounting device in accordance with claim 54 wherein the ratchet orsocket includes locking recesses defined by spaced, tapering dividersextending from inner skirt walls so as to lock several sizes of starpicket and square posts.
 59. A fence mounting device in accordance withclaim 49 wherein the skirt includes one or more recesses for receiving abelt so as to improve and simplify smooth running and tying of the beltaround the attachment means.
 60. A fence mounting device in accordancewith claim 59 wherein the recesses are one or more cut outs adjacent theattachment means, the cut outs at the base of the skirt.
 61. A fencemounting device in accordance with claim 48 wherein ribs are provided tosupport edges of posts received by the main body and to promote tightfit of cap on post.
 62. A fence mounting device in accordance with claim58 wherein the dividers taper inwardly in order that smaller posts aresupported deeper within the main body.